Claudia Jane Brown

Sculptural Acrylic Design & Lighting

Projects Page 2

  Baptismal Font Bowl for St Mary Marshalswick Church, St Albans, Herts.

In January 2008 I was asked to consider accepting a commission to create a new Baptismal Bowl to replace a rather basic stainless steel one, by Sister Jean Harris. I began to test materials to see just how far I could bend, push and fold the Perspex to end up with a shape that would hold water.

The design incorporates the dove shape that features in the stained glass window of the church and etched wave patterns to give a sense of movement. There is a prayer that is etched around the top of the bowl— ‘Bless this water, that your servants who are washed in it may become one with Christ, to be cleansed and delivered from all sin’. It is like the prayer is being said over the water below, constantly around the sides of the bowl. The base has been shaped to fit the existing octagonal wooden base and the base has a non-slip insert to ensure that the bowl doesn’t slide about.

The bowl was blessed and used to baptise baby Hannah on Sunday June 15th 2008.

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Commissions for bespoke bowls and any other sculptural, spiritual or practical artworks are welcomed. Bowls can be created to commemorate special occasions, anniversaries and awards.

Please contact me for further information.